Rio de Janeiro criminals burn trucks on Avenida Brasil

Criminals set fire to four trucks on Avenida Brasil in Rio de Janeiro on Monday, causing significant traffic disruptions and forcing at least 20 bus lines to divert their routes. The arson occurred in the Coelho Neto area and is suspected to be a retaliation against a police operation conducted by the Batalhão de Operações Especiais (Bope).

The police operation targeted the Terceiro Comando Puro (TCP) faction in the Parada de Lucas and Vigário Geral communities, located within the Complexo de Israel. During the action, four suspects surrendered to authorities following negotiations. Police seized two rifles, grenades, a radio transmitter, a bulletproof vest, and drugs.

The operation aims to remove barricades and combat factional warfare in the region. While intense gunfire was reported earlier in the morning, causing temporary closures of Avenida Brasil and Linha Vermelha, the main highway was fully reopened by the afternoon.